Luke Donald’s squad takes shape as Macintyre and Hatton clinch places for showdown in New York

Robert MacIntyre and Tyrrell Hatton have secured their places in Team Europe for the 2025 Ryder Cup, confirming their automatic qualification as Luke Donald’s side begins to take shape for the September showdown at Bethpage Black in New York. The pair now join Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood on the confirmed team sheet for the 45th edition of golf’s most celebrated and heated contest between Europe and the United States.

MacIntyre guaranteed his spot with a superb second-place finish behind World Number One Scottie Scheffler at the BMW Championship, the penultimate FedExCup Playoff event of the PGA Tour season. The Scot, ranked eighth in the world, has enjoyed an exceptional year that includes a runner-up finish at the U.S. Open, where he was narrowly beaten by J.J. Spaun, as well as a tie for seventh at The Open Championship at Royal Portrush. His consistency on both sides of the Atlantic has underlined his development into one of Europe’s most dependable players, and his presence in New York will be seen as a major boost for Donald’s team.

Hatton, meanwhile, will be making his fourth straight Ryder Cup appearance. Since qualification began last August, the Englishman has recorded two victories, lifting trophies at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. He also finished runner-up at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship and tied for fourth at the U.S. Open in June. Hatton has become one of Europe’s most reliable competitors, a player known not only for his quality ball striking but also his fierce passion and fiery competitiveness. Luke Donald, who captained the side to victory in Rome two years ago, emphasised both men’s value, saying MacIntyre’s form and his unbeaten debut in 2023 will bring invaluable strength to the team, while Hatton’s fourth successive qualification underlined his consistency and experience at the very top level.

MacIntyre will arrive at Bethpage Black with fond memories of his Ryder Cup debut in Rome, where he went undefeated as a rookie, earning two and a half points from three matches in Europe’s commanding 16½-11½ victory. His confidence has grown since then, and he will be aiming to play a pivotal role as Europe seeks its first away victory in the competition since 2012. For Hatton, who was part of winning sides in both 2018 and 2023, the target is also clear: a maiden triumph on American soil. At the last Ryder Cup, the 33-year-old capped his week in style by defeating Brian Harman 3&2 in the singles to remain unbeaten.

The qualification race for Team Europe is not yet complete. Automatic places remain open until Sunday, August 24, when the Betfred British Masters at The Belfry will conclude the process. The top six in the European Rankings after that event will secure their places, with Donald then due to make six captain’s picks on September 1. Shane Lowry currently holds the final automatic spot, but his position is under threat from Rasmus Højgaard, who is competing this week and can displace him with a strong finish. The Dane, sitting eighth in the rankings, needs to earn 13.7 points or more, which would require at least a tie for 29th with just one other player. Should he manage it, Højgaard would complete the group of automatic qualifiers alongside McIlroy, Fleetwood, Rose, MacIntyre and Hatton.

For now, Europe can already count on a core of experience and momentum heading into Bethpage Black, with McIlroy’s leadership, Rose’s veteran presence, Fleetwood’s consistency, and the fresh yet proven talent of MacIntyre combining with Hatton’s fire and determination. With the United States expected to field a powerful lineup led by Scheffler, Donald’s side knows it faces a daunting challenge. But as every Ryder Cup has shown, Europe’s strength lies in its blend of resilience, unity, and the ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.